Verbascum, Southern Charm Hybrid

This elegant cottage garden favorite is perfect for perennial borders and cutting.

Full Description

This Burpee introduction has become one of the most popular perennials in recent years. Full, well branched plants grow 2 1/2-3' tall when situated in full sun. Flower spikes are covered with beautiful florets in shades of buff, lavender and soft rose. Primary bloom begins in June and is followed by a lighter bloom period that continues into September. Wonderful in fresh arrangements. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage more bloom.

Zone
This refers to the USDA hardiness zone assigned to each part of the country, based on the minimum winter temperature that a region typically experiences. Hardiness zone ranges are provided for all perennial plants and you should always choose plants that fall within your range.

5-8

Sun
The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.

Full Sun

Height
The typical height of this product at maturity.

30-36 inches

Spread
The width of the plant at maturity.

24-30 inches

Bloom Season
The time of the year when this product normally blooms.

Spring, Summer

Resistant To
Adverse garden conditions, such as heat or frost, deer or rabbits, that this product can tolerate well.

Start IndoorsStart Indoors
Starting seeds indoors is called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds indoors in the spring or summer

TransplantTransplant
When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for spring

Start OutdoorsStart Outdoors
Starting seeds outdoors is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the spring or summer

Start Indoors FallStart Indoors Fall
Starting seeds indoors in the fall called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall

Transplant FallTransplant Fall
Transplant Fall-When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for fall

Start Outdoors FallStart Outdoors Fall
Starting seeds outdoors in the fall is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall

First Date: Apr-16 - Last Date: May-16

First Date: Jul-23 - Last Date: Aug-06

First Date: Mar-07 - Last Date: Mar-21

First Date: Mar-28 - Last Date: May-16

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Growing information

Verbascum: Indoor Sow or Potted Plant Perennial

How to Sow and Plant

Sowing Seed Indoors:

Sow indoors 8-12 weeks before last spring frost

Sow seeds thinly and evenly and just cover lightly with seed starting formula as seeds need light to germinate

Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees F

Seedlings emerge in 14-25 days

As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.

Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.

If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of true leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots

Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.

Planting in the Garden:

Select a location in full sun in poor to average well-drained soil. Verbascum prefers a slightly alkaline soil.

Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.

The addition of some organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods. Otherwise verbascum can tolerate poor soils if well-drained.

Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.

Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.

Unpot the plant and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root growth. Verbascum has a tap root so handle carefully.

Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand.

Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.

How to Grow

Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination.

Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For perennials, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.

Careful watering is essential in getting perennials off to a good start. Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry.

Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important.

After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release fertilizer, as higher rates may encourage root rots.

In colder regions, apply another layer of mulch (1-2 inches) after the ground freezes in fall. Evergreen boughs (from Christmas trees) provide additional protection. Remove this mulch in the spring.

Growing Tips

May be grown as an annual or biennial. If it is allowed to go to seed it may self sow.

Wonderful cottage garden perennial, is also great for cutting.

Attract hummingbirds and beneficial insects.

Product Details

Zone

5-8

Sun

Full Sun

Height

30-36 inches

Spread

24-30 inches

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Resistant To

Deer, Drought

Ornamental Use

Beds, Borders, Cut Flowers

Planting Time

Fall, Spring

Life Cycle

Perennial

Reviews

Verbascum, Southern Charm Hybrid is rated
3.7 out of
5 by
16.

Rated 2 out of
5 by
newleaf from
So disappointed!Sadly, my seeds never germinated. I started some in the greenhouse and sowed more directly in my garden to no avail. I still have a few and I will try again next year.

Date published: 2017-07-16

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Livy from
No-ShowI love this verbascum! I started two plants from seed a few years ago, and they are doing well. But twice I have bought packets and tried to start more, and the seeds have failed to germinate. It may have to do with the coating on the individual seeds. After this, I will try to harvest seeds from the plants I have.

Date published: 2017-07-15

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Kelli47302 from
Never GrewThis plant never grew , total waste of money and time

Date published: 2017-07-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Mamasgardengirl from
Stunning, as promisedI planted these verbascum next to my front-facing house, and in front of roses. All four plants grew to full height quickly and flowered over and over. It's early spring and the green is already popping up from the ground. Very hard and as beautiful as the photos show.

Date published: 2017-03-19

Rated 2 out of
5 by
Jo 123 from
SeedsIf I could make the seeds grow better, but they didn't. I think I should buy plants.

Date published: 2016-09-17

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Donthaveone from
Great in zone 3I have grown verbascum in zone 3 for at least 10 yrs, even on the outside of a raised bed. Don't be afraid to try it.

Date published: 2016-08-02

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Pearl from
Truly CharmingThe first year they were not much to look at, although the potential was apparent. This, their second year, they have lived up to all that I had hoped. Full of soft warm spires of color well before my summer perennials will put on their own show, they are the perfect addition for continual interested in the mixed bed or border. I have them at the back of a terraced border that receives sun all afternoon and evening, and is lightly amended clay. Early in the season, I'm just happy to see green foliage, and by the time the rather untidy weedy appearance of the leaves start to bother me the foliage of the Echinacea is blocking enough from view that it never really becomes a problem.
People have actually been slowing down on this rural road to gaze at my gardens, with only cat mint, salvia, and a few spring bulbs as concurrently blooming companions. I can only surmise that others are as charmed by this plant as I am.
I must say I did manage to kill a few. Well drained soil and enough sunlight appear to be the biggest demands of these low maintenance plants.

Date published: 2015-06-08

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Mathpup from
Doing nicelyI planted several of these last Fall in, frankly, not a terribly good location. I have been surprised this Spring to see how quickly they've grown, how large they have become,and how early they bloomed. They may not be well suited to the sort of heat that is coming, but for now they are a welcome spot of color.